My less expensive sunscreen criteria:

People are different: Because everyone is willing to put up with varying levels of chemicals, I’ve broken down this list into some basic groups. Sunscreens that are free from oxybenzone, sunscreens that are free from vitamin A, and for folks who don’t mind either, sunscreens with small amounts of both.

Zero compromises on sun protection: This year I’m compromising more on chemicals due to price, but I’m not compromising on sun safety. If a sunscreen rated poorly in regards to UVB protection (SPF) or UVA protection at EWG or elsewhere, it’s not on the list. All of the sunscreens below will, if used correctly, help protect your skin from sun damage. You may as well get sun protection if you’re paying for it.

Must cost less than safer sunscreens: If a sunscreen cost more than a safe sunscreen, in spite of containing chemicals, it’s not on my list. If you’re going to shell out scads of cash for sunscreen, then it should indeed be chemical-free.

Sources: I used information from EWG, Consumer Reports, the manufactuers websites and various other sources to compile this list.

How prices work: The prices below on each sunscreen, per year, are calculated for kids and adults who spend a decent amount of time outside and who are wearing sunscreen correctly.

VERY IMPORTANT!

Sunscreen formulas change. Also, I’m not perfect. Although I checked out all of these sunscreens carefully, there’s always a chance I missed something. That said, it’s your job to always read labels of products you buy and to research the product yourself, so you know what you’re getting.

Sunscreens with NO vitamin A and NO oxybenzone – but may contain other chemicals of possible concern

BONUS: Surprising safe but also usually less expensive sunscreen

By “surprisingly safe” I mean that these sunscreens were little gems I found while searching that don’t contain any major icky chemicals and also they actually don’t cost too much if you find a good deal.

To sum up…

It’s possible to get a more affordable sunscreen, if you’re willing to compromise a bit. For example, if you’re unwilling to compromise and you pick a sunscreen from my “Money is no object” sunscreen list, your lowest cost sunscreen choice would be $2.52 per oz (Purple Prairie SunStuff SPF 30). A family of four with two young kids would need to shell out $4,032 annually for this sunscreen or $336 per month.

If you’re really willing to compromise, and choose a sunscreen with small amounts of both chemicals, your lowest price choice is No AD Sunblock Lotion SPF 30 at $0.37 per oz., which comes up to $592 annually or $49 per month for a family of four.

Your total savings: In total, going from the safest sunscreen (Purple Prairie Stuff) to a less safe, but still effective sunscreen (No AD) will save you $3,440 a year or if you’re interested in long-term savings, you’d save $17,200 over five years. That’s a fair chunk of change.